Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival 2024 Summer Season, EPA
About the project
Jason King Jones, artistic dir.
Casting Equity actors for Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival 2024 Summer Season. Season includes "The Play that Goes Wrong" (Henry Lewis, Henry Shields, Jonathan Sayer, playwrights; Jennifer Childs, dir. Rehearsals begin May 21; tech begins May 24; previews begin May 29; runs May 31-June 16. LOA), "The Last Five Years" (Jason Robert Brown, writer-composer; Jason King Jones, dir.; Walter “Bobby” McCoy, music dir. Rehearsals begin May 21; previews begin June 12; runs June 14-30. SPT), William Shakespeare's "The Merry Wives of Windsor" (Matt Pfeiffer, dir. Rehearsals begin May 31; tech begins June 21; previews begin June 26; runs June 28-July 7. LOA), "The Color Purple (2015 Revival)" (Marsha Norman, playwright; Brenda Russell, Allee Willis, Stephen Bray, music-lyrics; Amina Robinson, dir.; Devon Young, choreo.; Christie Chiles Twillie, music dir. Rehearsals begin June 2; tech begins July 12; previews begin July 17; runs July 19-Aug.4. LOA), and William Shakespeare's "Cymbeline" (Jessica Bedford, dir. Pre-rehearsal week July 12; Rehearsals begin July 19; previews begin July 25; runs July 27-Aug. 4. SPT).
Roles in this project
Collapse All RolesDates & Locations
Rehearses and runs in Center Valley, PA.
Compensation & Contract
Key Details
- Jan 28, 2024: 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM EST
- Jan 29, 2024: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM EST
- Break: 2:00-3:00 p.m. An Equity Monitor will be provided. An accompanist will be provided.
- Feb 12, 2024: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM EST
To schedule an appointment, email casting@pashakespeare.org.
Walk-ins will also be accepted. Preparation instructions: Prepare a
monologue no longer than three minutes or a brief cut from a song from
your book or a 90-second monologue and a 32-bar cut of a song. Auditions
should not exceed 3 minutes. Also, bring a copy of your headshot and
resume. All roles will be understudied.
Company states: "About
Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival: A leading Shakespeare festival with
an emerging national reputation for excellence, Pennsylvania Shakespeare
Festival is a professional theatre company on the campus of DeSales
University. Each summer, PSF produces a season of Shakespeare and other
classics, musical theatre, and children’s theatre. About an hour north
of Philadelphia and less than two hours from Manhattan, PSF is summer
home to over 200 artists from around the country, including winners and
nominees of the Tony, Obie, Emmy, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle,
Jefferson, and Barrymore awards. Every year 40,000-50,000 patrons attend
PSF from 30+ states, over 1,000,000 patrons from 50 states and many
countries since 1992."
EPA Procedures are in effect for this
audition. Equity’s contracts prohibit discrimination. Equity is
committed to diversity and encourages all its employers to engage in a
policy of equal employment opportunity designed to promote a positive
model of inclusion. As such, Equity encourages performers of all
ethnicities, gender identities, and ages, as well as performers with
disabilities, to attend every audition. Always bring your Equity
Membership card to auditions.
Additional Materials
1812’s Production of "The Play that Goes Wrong"
Synopsis:
Philadelphia’s all comedy theatre company, 1812 Productions present
their smash hit The Play That Goes Wrong as the opener on PSF’s Main
Stage. This comedic sensation captivated audiences on Broadway and in
London's West End with sold-out performances before making its regional
sell-out debut at 1812 last year. Now some of Philadelphia’s finest and
funniest performers will reunite to stage the revival. The play features
a cast of characters who are part of a fictional amateur dramatic
society called the "Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society performing the
play “The Murder at Haversham Manor.”
Character Breakdown:
Chris
(plays Inspector Carter) Cast: Chris is the earnest and enthusiastic
director of the Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society. He takes his role
very seriously and strives to keep the play on track, despite the
numerous mishaps and disasters that occur.
Robert (plays Thomas
Collamore) Cast: Robert is one of the actors in the play within the
play. He is known for his terrible memory and struggles to remember his
lines and cues. This often leads to hilarious and chaotic moments on
stage.
Dennis (plays Perkins) Cast: Dennis is another actor in
the Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society. He tends to overact and is quite
dramatic in his performances, which adds to the comedy of the play.
Max
(plays by Cecil Haversham) Cast: Max is a young and nervous actor who
frequently gets injured during the course of the play. His physical
mishaps and awkwardness contribute to the comedic chaos.
Sandra
(plays Florence Colleymoore) Cast: Sandra plays the female lead in the
play within the play. She is a stereotypical melodramatic actress who
often forgets her lines and becomes overly emotional during her scenes.
Jonathan
(plays Charles Haversham) Cast: Jonathan is the murder victim in the
play within the play. He's a character who meets an unfortunate fate,
but his role is central to the unfolding chaos and comedy.
Trevor
(Cast): Trevor is the lighting and sound technician for the Cornley
Polytechnic Drama Society. His incompetence with the technical aspects
of the production leads to further comedic mishaps.
Annie (Cast):
Annie serves as the stage manager and assistant to Chris Bean. She is
dedicated but often overwhelmed by the mayhem that ensues during the
performance.
"The Last Five Years"
Synopsis: There are two
sides to every love story, and both will captivate you in this stirring
musical following two aspiring artists in New York City who fall in and
out of love over the course of five years. The show unfolds with Cathy
reliving her story backwards from the end of their relationship, while
Jamie experiences his chronologically from the beginning. With music and
lyrics by Tony Awardwinner Jason Robert Brown, this almost entirely
sung-through musical has captivated audiences and critics alike, earning
a Drama Desk Award, a film adaptation, and productions around the
world. The Last Five Years will leave a lasting impression with anyone
who has ever loved, lost, and yearned for something more. Don't miss
this intimate and beautifully crafted exploration of the human heart.
Character Breakdown:
Cathy:
An aspiring actress who is deeply in love with Jamie. She is a talented
and passionate performer who faces the challenges of the entertainment
industry. Cathy's character is known for her vulnerability, and the
audience witnesses her emotional journey in reverse chronological order,
from the end of her marriage to the beginning.
Jamie: Jamie is a
rising novelist and a charismatic, ambitious young man. He is deeply in
love with Cathy and excited about the possibilities of his writing
career. Jamie's character is known for his enthusiasm and charm, but as
the story progresses, his career success and growing ambitions strain
his relationship with Cathy.
"The Merry Wives of Windsor"
Synopsis:
In this merry romp, the irrepressible rogue Sir John Falstaff hatches a
harebrained scheme to woo two wealthy wives in hopes to secure their
fortunes. Unbeknownst to him, these merry wives craft clever
retaliations to rebuke his advances. The result is a whirlwind of
misadventures and bellyaching laughter. As the story unfolds, we witness
a colorful array of characters including a Welsh priest, a zany French
swordsman, and a jealous husband in disguise. Shakespeare's witty banter
and comedic escapades shine through, making The Merry Wives of Windsor a
charming celebration of love, laughter, and the craft of clever
deception.
Character Breakdown:
Sir John Falstaff (Cast): A
rotund and disreputable knight who is known for his excessive drinking,
deceitful nature, and pursuit of women, especially wealthy married
women. He is the central character of the play.
Mistress Ford
(Cast): One of the "merry wives," she is an attractive and clever woman
who is married to Master Ford. She conspires with Mistress Page to
outsmart Falstaff when he tries to seduce her.
Mistress Page
(Cast): The other "merry wife," she is also intelligent and happily
married to Master Page. She joins forces with Mistress Ford to teach
Falstaff a lesson.
Master Ford (Cast): Husband of Mistress Ford,
he becomes suspicious and jealous when he learns of Falstaff's advances
toward his wife. He disguises himself as "Brook" to investigate further.
Master Page (Cast): Husband of Mistress Page, he is friendly and hospitable, getting involved in the schemes to expose Falstaff.
Anne
Page: The daughter of Master and Mistress Page, she is a charming and
desirable young woman. Her romantic pursuits are central to the plot.
Dr.
Caius (Cast): A French physician and suitor for Anne Page's hand in
marriage. He is easily provoked and often involved in misunderstandings
with other characters.
Parson Hugh Evans (Cast): A Welsh
clergyman and another suitor for Anne Page. He speaks with a Welsh
accent and adds humor through his misunderstandings.
Mistress
Quickly (Cast): A local woman who serves as a messenger and intermediary
for various characters. She is known for her rapid and sometimes
confused speech.
Fenton: A young gentleman in love with Anne
Page. He is considered a more suitable match for Anne by her parents
than Dr. Caius or Parson Evans.
Host of the Garter Inn: The owner
of the local inn, where many of the comical events take place. He
interacts with Falstaff and other characters.
Slender (Cast): A
foolish and gullible suitor for Anne Page's hand. He is manipulated by
his cousin, Shallow, in his romantic pursuits.
Justice Shallow (Cast): A local justice of the peace who is Slender's cousin. He is forgetful and easily led by others.
Bardolph:
One of Falstaff's men, Bardolph takes over as the bartender of the
Garter Inn to pay for Falstaff's entourage's room and board.
Pistol:
One of Falstaff's men, Pistol wants to stay honest, and he refuses to
deliver Falstaff's seductive letters to Mistress Page and Mistress Ford.
Instead, he and Nym decide to let the husbands know of Falstaff's
scheme.
Nym: One of Falstaff's men, Nym wants to stay honest, and
he refuses to deliver Falstaff's seductive letters to Mistress Page and
Mistress Ford. Instead, he and Pistol decide to let the husbands know
of Falstaff's scheme.
Simple: A servant to Slender, Simple is another character easily influenced by those around him.
Rugby: Dr. Caius's servant, who often finds himself caught up in misunderstandings and comic situations.
William Page: The young son of Master and Mistress Page, plays a minor role in the play.
John: Servant to the Fords
Robert: Servant to the Fords
"The Color Purple" (2015 Revival)
Synopsis:
The epic Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker comes to life in
an emotional tour de force musical infused with a soul-stirring score of
jazz, gospel, ragtime, and blues. Set against the backdrop of the
American South in the early 20th century, the story follows the
transformative journey of Celie, a young African American woman who
courageously navigates a life marked by abuse, separation, and
discrimination to discover the strength to break free from oppression
and find her own voice. From the hauntingly beautiful "I'm Here" to the
exuberant celebration of "The Color Purple," this sensational Tony
Award-winning musical is a testament to the resilience of the human
spirit and the enduring power of love.
Character Breakdown:
Celie:
African American, 20s to early 30s. Transforms from a timid, subdued
young woman to a confident, independent individual. Has powerful belt.
Nettie: African American, 20s. Intelligent, determined, and loving younger sister of Celie. Belt.
Mister:
African American, 30s to 40s. Strong, powerful, abusive husband to
Celie. In love with Shug. Undergoes major transformation. Powerful
voice.
Harpo: African American, 20s. Vulnerable, good hearted son
of Mister from his first marriage. Struggles with traditional
masculinity, marries Sofia. Comedic timing and tenor voice.
Sofia: African American, 30s. Harpo’s wife. Strong, resilient, and outspoken. Comedic chops and a great belt.
Shug
Avery: African American, 30s to 40s. Mister’s long-time love, a singer
who lives in Memphis. Charismatic and confident. Show-stopping, Bessie
Smith-style singing voice.
Ensemble: Men and Women to play the
Preacher, the Field Hands, the Church Soloist, Adam, Olivia, Squeak and
Grady, the Church Ladies, and others in the community.
Cymbeline
Synopsis:
Shakespeare meets The Princess Bride in this romantic adventure
seamlessly weaving elements of the Bard’s comedy, tragedy, and history
into one epic fairy tale of magic and power. When Imogen's father
unjustly banishes her beloved, the princess embarks on a mythic quest to
prove her loyalty, outwit her wicked stepmother, and reclaim her true
love. In this captivating masterpiece, from the zenith of Shakespeare's
creativity, a courageous heroine, kind strangers, sinister adversaries,
divine beings, poisoned potions, and forgotten princes all play a role
in the path toward a happily ever after. Actors for this production will
be paid to come to first rehearsal off-book and will utilize “original
practices” to stage the production themselves.
Character Breakdown (Many roles will be double cast):
King
Cymbeline (Cast): The aging King of Britain, who is initially resistant
to paying tribute to Rome and has conflicts with his family.
Queen (Cast): Cymbeline's second wife, who is manipulative and seeks power and influence.
Imogen (Cast) - Cymbeline's virtuous and loyal daughter from his first marriage, who secretly marries Posthumus Leonatus.
Posthumus Leonatus: Imogen's husband, a nobleman who is banished from Britain due to his marriage.
Iachimo (Cast): An Italian nobleman who makes a bet with Posthumus to seduce Imogen and plays a key role in the deception.
Cloten (Cast): The Queen's son from her previous marriage, who is arrogant and desires Imogen.
Pisanio (Cast): A loyal servant to Posthumus who plays a crucial role in the plot.
Belarius (Cast): A wronged nobleman who lives in exile and plays a role in the upbringing of Cymbeline's lost sons.
Guiderius: One of Belarius's sons, who is unaware of his true identity and upbringing.
Arviragus: Belarius's other son, who, like Guiderius, is unaware of his true identity and upbringing.
Caius Lucius: The Roman ambassador who represents the interests of the Roman Empire.
Philario: A Roman friend of Posthumus who provides a contrasting perspective on loyalty.
Cornelius: A physician who plays a role in the plot's twists and turns.
Soothsayer: A character who delivers prophecies and provides insights into the events of the play.
Gentleman 1: A Gossip.
Gentleman 2: A Gossip.
First Lord: A follower (and mocker) of Cloten.
Second Lord: A follower (and mocker) of Cloten.
Frenchman: Carouses with Posthumus.
Jailer: Oversees Posthumus Leonatus.
